Opportunities from FWO — Odysseus programme

The 2026 Odysseus call has €21.8 million available to attract leading researchers from abroad to Flanders. Type I supports internationally recognised pioneers with €400,000–€700,000 per year (€2–3.5 million over five years). Type II supports postdoctoral researchers with potential for international leadership with €100,000–€200,000 per year (€0.5–1 million over five years). Only universities in the Flemish Community can nominate candidates, potentially with other Flemish research organisations.

Candidates must have a main appointment of at least 80% at a foreign institution on the FWO deadline and must have been affiliated to a foreign institution at at least 80% for three of the previous five years, with no more than a 10% Belgian appointment during that period. Type II candidates may have a maximum of 12 years of postdoctoral seniority. A Flemish university must select and nominate the candidate and commit to an appropriate five-year appointment if funded.